Hanson: Symphony No. 2 - Lux aeterna - Mosaics - CD

ENGLISH

<p>Hanson's intent in 1930 to write music that was "young in spirit, lyrical and romantic in temperament", was fully realised in his ardent <i>Second</i> <i>Symphony</i>. This, his best known symphonic statement, acknowledges a Sibelian inheritance through horn fanfares, powerfully lyric string writing, and a sense of unity both all-embracing and memorable. <i>Lux</i> <i>Aeterna </i>is a rhapsodic, strongly modal work for viola and orchestra, richly repaying Hanson's interest in Palestrina. <i>Mosaics </i>is a much later set of variations revealing his organisational control and expressive power. "Richly drawn is the <i>Second</i> <i>Symphony</i>—the <i>Romantic</i>, its second movement anthem beloved of millions of Americans. [Schwarz's] feeling for long-term growth is possibly the surest of all, leading us from one resolution to the next with an increasing sense of expectation." (<i>Gramophone </i>on the original Delos release)</p>